The NZ Transport Agency is advising Canterbury motorists to plan ahead, stay safe and please drive to the conditions and take extreme care on the state highways this long ANZAC weekend.
Transport Agency Canterbury/West Coast Journey Manager, Lee Wright says drivers need to take care as some urgent repairs required on some Canterbury’s state highways have been hampered by continued bad weather. Loose debris, large pot holes, slips, narrow lanes and some surface flooding are still present.
Lee Wright says that drivers travelling along State Highway 1 (SH1) North Canterbury up to Marlborough need to be aware of the following road conditions:
SH 1 Clarence To Hundalee Flooding. Due to surface flooding motorists are advised to take extra care.
SH 1 Blenheim To Kaikoura Slip. Road is now open to a single lane with many work sites throughout the area. Road conditions are hazardous (slips, washouts, potholes, narrow lanes). Road users are advised to allow an additional 1hour to their journey time. Drive with extreme care at all times.
Drivers planning to head to Golden Bay:
SH 60 Takaka Hill Slip. The road has been reduced to one lane prior to the summit of the hill. Motorists are advised to expect minimal delays while work is being completed in the area.
If travelling to the West Coast on SH73:
SH 6 Fox Glacier To Haast
(Karangarua Bridge) Restrictions at Karangarua Bridge overnight from 7.00pm- 7.30am. Currently assessable only to vehicles below 25 tonnes, removal of these restrictions may alter over the week ahead.
Continued planned closures for Diana Falls on SH6:
SH 6 Haast To Makarora ( Gates Of Haast To Haast Pass - Diana Falls) Delays Rock falls. This section of road will be closed every night From 6.00pm to 8.00am at the slip. The road will close at Haast at 5.00pm and reopen 7:30am. At Makarora the road will close at 5:30pm and reopen at 7:30am. Delays or closures may be necessary at other times in the event of further heavy rain or slips.
If travelling to Akaroa this weekend on SH75, great news there will be temporary road works along the route, but both lanes will be open by tomorrow.
Ms Wright says people should ensure they are well prepared for their journeys this weekend to check their vehicles before leaving plan their journey, drive with care and to the conditions. When the road is busy to also be patient to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable ANZAC long weekend.
For up-to-date state highway travel information visit www.highwayinfo.govt.nz(external link) or phone the Transport Agency's 0800 4 HIGHWAYS information line to get the latest updates, as road conditions may change over the weekend or to report incidents or hazards on the state highways. Alternatively you can sign-up via www.onthemove.govt.nz(external link) to receive free email alerts designed to inform you before you start your journey about notable incidents, road conditions or roadwork’s on the state highway network.
For more information please contact:
Jan McCarthy
Media Manager - Christchurch
NZ Transport Agency
T: 03 964 2885
M: 021 427 442
E: jan.mccarthy@nzta.govt.nz
